Question: How should one prepare for the possibility that the defendant may not pay even after a favorable judgment?

Answer: In a situation where the defendant does not pay the judgment amount after a court ruling in your favor, you can request a writ of execution from the court. This allows you to collect the judgment amount directly from the defendant's bank account or other assets. If the defendant has a bank account, you can present the judgment to the bank, and they are required to provide the funds available in the account to satisfy the judgment. If the defendant claims to have paid you, you should request proof of payment such as bank statements, checks, or wire transfers to substantiate their claim.